Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley: Retirement Talk Makes Mayweather Fight Doubtful

Manny Pacquiao has brought joy to millions of fans, but brings nothing but grief with his recent revelations that his retirement is entirely likely. 

Allen V. Estabillo of MindaNews reports Manny Pacquiao is seriously thinking about hanging up the gloves following his June 9 fight with Timothy Bradley.  

We all knew that the beginning of the end had started. Manny Pacquiao serves far too many masters to concentrate full time on boxing. He loves the ring, the stage and the political office, and it may be the bible that pulls him away. 

The report issues Pacquiao's new found love of the bible has him thinking the best course of action is to become a bible "ambassador." Estabillio quotes Pac-Man: 

"

Hindi maganda na nagse-share ako ng salita ng Panginoon tapos nananakit ako ng kapwa (It’s not right that I share God’s word and at the same time hurt other people). 

I’ve gained more than enough blessings these past years so I think it’s time for me to return the favor.

"

There is a glimmer of hope that the Bradley bout will not be his last. Estabillo writes: 

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On the other hand, Pacquiao said he would only retire from boxing once his famed trainer Freddie Roach sees him slowing down or his vaunted punching power waning out.

After his controversial unanimous win over Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez last November, Pacquiao was initially reported to have started attending Bible studies through the help of a Protestant pastor.

"

Most boxing fans saw Pacquiao regress in his fight with Marquez that ended in a controversial decision. The once untouchable Pacquiao was dominated at times by Marquez. 

The immersion into religion follows allegations of womanizing, drinking and gambling issues. Since that time, Pacquiao has sold a casino that he operated in Manila, disposed of his fighting cocks and closed his J-Mix restaurant and bar where he would frequently carouse with friends. 

All of this is to put a light on the bout that every last boxing fan wants to see. A couple months of negotiations died and Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao ended up fighting other boxers. 

The one thing fans have been asking for years is a ring meeting of the two aging legends. a retirement after the Bradley fight obviously kills that hope. 

This report has to call into question whether Pacquiao even has the mindset or passion to take on a foe like Mayweather. Even if he doesn't retire, he may not have it in him to finish with the toughest fight of his career. 

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